Back in regionals, U-E looks to flip the script on Whitesboro

ENDICOTT (WBNG) - The Class A Section IV Champions, the Union-Endicott Tigers, are back in state playoffs and facing a familiar opponent. For the second straight year Union-Endicott faces Whitesboro in regionals. The Warriors ended the Tigers season last year with a 45-18 victory over U-E at Cicero-North Syracuse.

"We all remember the last game last year," said Union-Endicott senior guard/defensive tackle Nick Harvey. "It wasn't an easy one. It was kind of a rough game."

"It's always great to get revenge on someone who has beaten you before, especially a team of that caliber, that's that good," said Union-Endicott senior quarterback/defensive back Devon Hogan. "It's definitely going to feel awesome to come out and try beating them again."

So, how do the Tigers flip the script on the Warriors this season?

"This year, I feel like we definitely have better chemistry as a team," said Hogan. "Everybody on our team is playing together. Everybody is blocking well. Our line is outstanding this year."

"Our offensive line, we're not just teammates, we're friends in school," said Harvey. "So, when we come on the football field, it's just an extension of that."

"I feel like we are a better team than we were last year," said Union-Endicott senior half back/defensive back Jack Thomas. "And we have the home-field advantage this week. So, that's always exciting, not trying to lose at home."

Playing a state playoff game at Ty Cobb Stadium could be huge for U-E. The Tigers have won seven in a row in front of the Sea of Orange.

"It's incredible," said Hogan. "How often does a team get to play at their own place for state playoffs? Yeah, it's going to be cold, but it's a lot better than playing in the snow up there."

"We have a lot of kids at our school and a lot of them are not normal," said Thomas. "So, they are all going to be out here over in the stands, not wearing shirts with our numbers painted on their chests. They are going to be loud and they are going to be excited for the game."

Friday night this group of Tigers has its chance to leave its mark in U-E football history.

"To be one of the better teams out of U-E," said Thomas. "Only five or six teams have made it past the regional round, so we're trying to do that."

Kickoff between Union-Endicott and Whitesboro is set for Friday night at 8 p.m.